River rafting day trip on the Jökulsá Vestari (West Glacier River) in North Iceland. Available directly from Reykjavík city as an overnight trip.
River difficulty 2+ out of 5 possible – Easy / Family Adventure
Nothing creates bonds and deepens friendships like family adventure
vacations. Discovering the glacier river history, as well as the
excitement of white water rafting will provide both fun and learning
for the whole family. The river guides at Arctic Rafting understand the importance of
creating a memorable family adventure for kids, teenagers and adults who want to
share an unforgettable, fun-filled adventure.
Our river rafting tour on the West Glacier River, through its
towering and magical canyon, is one of our most scenic and fun trips.
We start with putting on all the necessary equipment to deal with the river in our base camp at Hafgrímsstaðir, about
10 km from Varmahlíð village in North Iceland. From our base we
only need to drive for about 15 minutes into the Vesturdalur valley where our
adventure starts with going through basic river rafting instructions and safety
guidelines.
From there we set off, sailing our way through the valley's majestic
landscapes before drifting deep into the stunning West
Glacier River canyon. Between stretches of rapids, you will find
yourself sipping steaming hot cocoa made from natural spring water that
bubbles right up from the riverbank! You may well have the opportunity
to face your fears, jumping off a cliff into the river, get caught up in
a friendly water fight, or simply kick back and allow the scenery to
blow you away as you float down the meandering waters of the gorge.
Details:
Price: 7.990 ISK per person.
From the Last Resort rafting base camp in Skagafjörður: Everyday
at 10:30 AM & 14:30 PM.
From Varmahlíð Town in Skagafjörður: Everyday 10:00 AM & 14:00 PM.
Guaranteed departures for minimum 2 persons from 1st of June to the
31st of August
Guaranteed departures for minimum 4 persons from 1st of May – 31st
May & 1st September – 1st October.
From Reykjavík City: Everyday at 8:30AM* from BSI
bus terminal in Reykjavik. Click here to see from where the bus departs.
From Akureyri Town: Everyday at 8:30 AM from SBA bus terminal in
Akureyri. Click here to see from where the bus departs.
Guaranteed departures from 15th of June - 31st of August
* On all trips that start in Reykjavík you will have to stay one night
in Varmahlíð or the surrounding farmhouses (see the package here
below); your river trip will start at 10:30 AM on the following morning
and the bus trip back to Reykjavík leaves at 18:20 or onwards to
Akureyri at 21:50.
From Reykjavík:
Price with pick-up from BSI bus terminal in Reykjavík, two hour horse
riding tour on the afternoon of the first day, one nights stay in a
guesthouse in Varmahlíða, river rafting in the morning on the second
day, BBQ dinner after the trip and transfer back to Reykjavík: 42.990 ISK.
From Akureyri:
Price with pick up from SBA bus terminal in Akureyri, two hour horse
riding tour in the morning and river rafting in the afternoon, lunch
after riding and BBQ dinner after the rafting trip and transfer back to
Akureyri at 21:55 PM at 29.990 ISK.
Pick-up from Reykjavík is available everyday from the 1st of May to the
31st of August at 8:30 AM from the BSI bus terminal in
down town Reykjavik. Please be there 20 minutes before your departure.
Distance from Reykjavik: 294 km, 3,5 hour drive or 4,5 hours by bus. Duration of trip: 3-4 hours (1-2 hours on the river). Minimum:
2 persons from the 1st of June to the 31st of August. Minimum: 4 persons
from the 1st of May to the 31st of May and from the 1st of September
to the 1st of October. Maximum: 120 persons. Age limit: 12 years, if
accompanied by a parent.
Bring
with you:
Dress as you are going on a cold mountain trip! as glacier rivers can be cold...
* very warm clothing to wear under the raft gear, expect anything you wear / bring to get wet
* bring only wool, fleece and thermals, NO COTTON!
* base layer pants and sweater
* warm fleece / wool sweater
* warm pants
* Thick warm socks (winter wool socks or hiking socks)
* towel and bathing suit
Extras:
Waterproof Camera: 3.000 ISK
Disclaimer:
All river rafting trips are undertaken on
the responsibility of its participants. Arctic Adventures does not
assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its
customers or can be traced to there own actions. Participants have to
sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize
that all outdoor activities carry an inherit risk.